Ninja Warrior firm TBS hires Youngest Media alum

Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) has hired former Youngest Media and MTV Entertainment exec Elwin de Groot to expand its US presence.

De Groot becomes senior unscripted development exec at the Japanese company and has a remit to develop original IP and adapt formats for US audiences.

His appointment follow the recent relocation of sales and development executive Shuji Maeda to LA from TBS’s Tokyo headquarters.

De Groot has been working with TBS over the past 18 months in a consultancy capacity, advising on development, production and international strategy.

Prior to that, he was head of development at Youngest Media Group and senior development producer at MTV Entertainment Studios, where he co-developed Paramount+’s reality show All Star Shore.

He previously launched the LA office for All3Media’s Optomen Productions, following a six-year run as senior creative director at Armoza Formats.

“TBS’ success is built on relationships and instincts, and Elwin has spent decades proving he has both,” said Goshu Segawa, chief product officer at TBS International.

“He has a keen eye for what works across many markets and cultures and a proven track record of taking formats from concept to international hit.”

TBS’s format slate includes nascent IP such as skateboarding format Kasso, as well as Takeshi Castle, Happy Family Plan and Ninja Warrior.

The latter is into its 18th season on NBC in the US, with A. Smith & Co. Productions attached. The format is managed worldwide (excluding Asia, US, Germany, France and Poland) by Banijay Entertainment, following a deal struck with TBS last year.